# Nihilism Award To Linda Carlson: She's Here, She's Queer & She's In eHarmony's Face **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [June 1, 2007, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nihilism-award-to-linda-carlson-shes-here-shes-queer-shes-in-eharmonys-face/406431 "2007-06-01T23:48:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![JohnBckWLD](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d6d6ee/32.png) [@JohnBckWLD](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnBckWLD)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2007, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nihilism-award-to-linda-carlson-shes-here-shes-queer-shes-in-eharmonys-face/406431/1 "2007-06-01T23:48:12Z")
Someone’s got sand in their vagina. We all know there’s not enough _real_ discrimination that needs to be addressed. Linda Carlson feels it necessary to keep her California attorneys busy by suing eHarmony for not offering their internet [match-making services to gays and lesbians](http://www.informationweek.com/industries/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=199800027). > [@Information Week](#): > > The popular online dating service eHarmony was sued Thursday for refusing to offer its services to gays, lesbians, and bisexuals…A lawsuit alleging discrimination based on sexual orientation was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on behalf of Linda Carlson, who was denied access to eHarmony because she is gay…Carlson, who lives in the San Francisco Bay area, tried to use the site’s dating services in February 2007. When she was denied access, she wrote to eHarmony explaining its anti-gay policy was discriminatory under California law but the company refused to change it… Even _if_ internet sites are legally required to strictly adhere to California’s civil rights statutes, this inane suit defies common sense.[ul] [li]Sites like [Womanline](http://www.womanline.com/guest/welcome.act?context=wnrr&a=28220&locale=en_US) discriminate against heterosexual women looking for men. The same holds true for many other gay-only websites. [/li][li]To the best of my knowledge, eHarmony’s questionnaire contains no references to flannel, the WNBA, lipstick, Barbie, billiards or Ani DiFranco. [/li][\*]Analogies to 1950s lunch counters in the deep south are lame. This is a URL, not a discount variety store - or the back of a bus for that matter.[/ul]Is the internet the best venue to find a life-long mate? _Probably not._ Has eHarmony brought injury or harm to Linda Carlson? _No._ Will others join this class action? _Probably._ Is this the stupidest fucking news story I’ve seen all week? _Definitely._ ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2007, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nihilism-award-to-linda-carlson-shes-here-shes-queer-shes-in-eharmonys-face/406431/2 "2007-06-01T23:59:40Z")
Hmm. If you’re gay, living in San Francisco, and you need a _dating service_… ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Scrappy\_Hero\_Pup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ea5d25/32.png) [@Happy\_Scrappy\_Hero\_Pup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Scrappy_Hero_Pup)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nihilism-award-to-linda-carlson-shes-here-shes-queer-shes-in-eharmonys-face/406431/3 "2007-06-02T00:52:03Z")
Someone write me a memo on how the doctrine of _World-Wide Volkswagen_ applies to this case. Appearing as rebuttal witnesses for the defense, a pack of three thousand 13-year old boys, whose testimony at deposition can be summarized as, “Internet dating? That’s so GAY!” I have never been so proud to be doing general liability defense in CA as I am right this minute. I hate plaintiffs. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nihilism-award-to-linda-carlson-shes-here-shes-queer-shes-in-eharmonys-face/406431/4 "2007-06-02T01:18:41Z")
She obviously has no real interest in eHarmony. She’s doing this to make a point. If she does win, she will have opened up a nasty can o’ worms. As was noted in the OP, gay only dating sites will have to open their doors to straights. What a tool she is. Now if eHamony isn’t _hiring_ gay people she would have a point. Is there any evidence of that? ---
**Author:** ![dnooman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/839c29/32.png) [@dnooman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dnooman)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nihilism-award-to-linda-carlson-shes-here-shes-queer-shes-in-eharmonys-face/406431/5 "2007-06-02T04:28:45Z")
EHarmony also has no support for those that choose to anally fist goats while wearing princess clothing, or so I’ve heard. ---
**Author:** ![Intravenus\_De\_Milo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Intravenus\_De\_Milo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Intravenus_De_Milo)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 6:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nihilism-award-to-linda-carlson-shes-here-shes-queer-shes-in-eharmonys-face/406431/6 "2007-06-02T06:18:35Z")
Interesting…I saw a commercial this evening on TBS where a young man was looking through an issue of _Penthouse._ He seemed “interested” enough - even paused to look at the centerfold - but when he was done he said, “nope…still gay.” The words “Rejected by eHarmony” splashed on the screen, and it turned out to be an ad for an alternative dating site that caters to both teams, as it were. ---
**Author:** ![JohnBckWLD](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d6d6ee/32.png) [@JohnBckWLD](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnBckWLD)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 7:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nihilism-award-to-linda-carlson-shes-here-shes-queer-shes-in-eharmonys-face/406431/7 "2007-06-02T07:04:22Z")
[BGay.com](http://www.bgay.com/bnews/news70601_eharmony_suid_for_excluding_gays.htm) > [@](#): > > The online dating site eHarmony was sued on Thursday for refusing to offer its services to gays, lesbians and bisexuals. eHarmony does not offer a “men seeking men” or “women seeking women” option when users register or search for potential partners… > > Carlson’s lawyer Todd Schneider said the lawsuit was “about changing the landscape and making a statement out there that gay people, just like heterosexuals, have the right and desire to meet other people with whom they can fall in love.” Psst…Mr. Schneider, you omitted the trans-gendered community. Karma dictates they should sue your bored and/or greedy ass for discriminating (i.e. neglecting / overlooking) their community in your legal crusade to earn a buck. > [@](#): > > Schneider expects a significant number of gays and lesbians to join the class action. In addition to seeking unspecified damages for those denied eHarmony services based on their sexual orientation, the suit seeks to force eHarmony to end its discriminatory policy. I’m all but certain this lawsuit has absolutely nothing to do with the fact eHarmony’s estimated annual earnings are over $50 million. Rest assured: Esq. Schneider & Ms. Carlson aren’t the at the head of the retard parade. That honor belongs to [John Claassen](http://oc-divorce.typepad.com/california_divorce_and_fa/2006/03/ridiculous_laws.html) ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 9:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nihilism-award-to-linda-carlson-shes-here-shes-queer-shes-in-eharmonys-face/406431/8 "2007-06-02T09:13:02Z")
Well, I was debating signing up for eHarmony. Now this has made up my mind- _next week I sign up_. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nihilism-award-to-linda-carlson-shes-here-shes-queer-shes-in-eharmonys-face/406431/9 "2007-06-02T19:16:18Z")
I’m happy for her… she has found one of the many routes to the American Dream – sue your way to wealth! And she was clever enough not to have to get scalded by hot coffee or mashed up in a car wreck. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![black\_rabbit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f19dbf/32.png) [@black\_rabbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/black_rabbit)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nihilism-award-to-linda-carlson-shes-here-shes-queer-shes-in-eharmonys-face/406431/10 "2007-06-02T21:01:20Z")
I hope she wins. Not that I’m real big into the Internet dating scene (hi, honey!), but everything I’ve heard or read about that site makes them come off like a bunch of judgemental, intolerant assholes. Other than their own advertising, that is. Natch. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nihilism-award-to-linda-carlson-shes-here-shes-queer-shes-in-eharmonys-face/406431/11 "2007-06-02T23:24:19Z")
Seems to me like she has a good point, even if it is kind of petty. Isn’t eHarmony in violation of California law, here? ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nihilism-award-to-linda-carlson-shes-here-shes-queer-shes-in-eharmonys-face/406431/12 "2007-06-02T23:29:37Z")
[QUOTE=black rabbit] I hope she wins. Not that I’m real big into the Internet dating scene (hi, honey!), but everything I’ve heard or read about that site makes them come off like a bunch of judgemental, intolerant assholes. Other than their own advertising, that is. Natch. [/QUOTE] That you don’t like someone is reason for them to lose millions in a frivolous lawsuit? Especially when you don’t like them because of something you read somewhere? That’s stupid. I don’t like you. Give me all your money. ---
**Author:** ![duffer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duffer/32/1026_2.png) [@duffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/duffer)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nihilism-award-to-linda-carlson-shes-here-shes-queer-shes-in-eharmonys-face/406431/13 "2007-06-02T23:40:07Z")
Hmm, liberals, hippies, lawyers. Who scores a point in the rankings? Lawyers. Again. We have too many fucking lawyers and only so much money to pay them. So they come up with this type of shit. Anything to earn the buck. If anyone here thinks the lawyer is trying to right some injustice…nah, nobody could turn on a computer if they thought that. ---
**Author:** ![duffer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duffer/32/1026_2.png) [@duffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/duffer)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nihilism-award-to-linda-carlson-shes-here-shes-queer-shes-in-eharmonys-face/406431/14 "2007-06-02T23:44:33Z")
[QUOTE=Miller] Seems to me like she has a good point, even if it is kind of petty. Isn’t eHarmony in violation of California law, here? [/QUOTE] Is there a “gay only” website that allows for heteros to hook up? No. That’s why it’s “gay only”. Nobody is suing gay sites that cater to gays. It discriminates against heteros, but we figured out a way around your discrimination. We came up with and clicked links that led to non-gay dating sites. I like you **Miller** , I do. But you’re wrong on this one if you think the suit is valid. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nihilism-award-to-linda-carlson-shes-here-shes-queer-shes-in-eharmonys-face/406431/15 "2007-06-02T23:59:08Z")
[QUOTE=Miller] Seems to me like she has a good point, even if it is kind of petty. Isn’t eHarmony in violation of California law, here? [/QUOTE] If they are, then are not the gay-only sites also? ---
**Author:** ![JohnBckWLD](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d6d6ee/32.png) [@JohnBckWLD](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnBckWLD)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2007, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nihilism-award-to-linda-carlson-shes-here-shes-queer-shes-in-eharmonys-face/406431/16 "2007-06-03T00:06:03Z")
[QUOTE=black rabbit] …that site makes them come off like a bunch of judgemental, intolerant assholes… [/QUOTE] By that logic, [Ensign Edison](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=8638056&postcount=102) should file suit against the SDMB. > [@Stephen Decatur](#): > > Our Country! In her intercourse with foreign nations may she always be in the right; but right or wrong, our country! > [@Balkanized American Sub-Cultures](#): > > Our Group! When we come across outsiders we will always be in the right & sue sue their asses; right or wrong, our group! ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Scrappy\_Hero\_Pup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ea5d25/32.png) [@Happy\_Scrappy\_Hero\_Pup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Scrappy_Hero_Pup)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2007, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nihilism-award-to-linda-carlson-shes-here-shes-queer-shes-in-eharmonys-face/406431/17 "2007-06-03T00:20:21Z")
[QUOTE= duffer] We have too many fucking lawyers and only so much money to pay them. So they come up with this type of shit. Anything to earn the buck. [/QUOTE] “We” didn’t come up with anything, dude. This woman did. Or did you miss that part of the story? “Filing suit” does not mean “getting money.” If this particular attorney didn’t take her case, another one would have. ---
**Author:** ![Antinor01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecae2f/32.png) [@Antinor01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antinor01)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2007, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nihilism-award-to-linda-carlson-shes-here-shes-queer-shes-in-eharmonys-face/406431/18 "2007-06-03T00:24:07Z")
[QUOTE=duffer] Is there a “gay only” website that allows for heteros to hook up? No. That’s why it’s “gay only”. Nobody is suing gay sites that cater to gays. It discriminates against heteros, but we figured out a way around your discrimination. We came up with and clicked links that led to non-gay dating sites. I like you **Miller** , I do. But you’re wrong on this one if you think the suit is valid. [/QUOTE] Which gay-oriented dating sites don’t allow straight people? I just checked [Gay.com](http://Gay.com) personals, [Bgay.com](http://Bgay.com) and [Truespice.com](http://Truespice.com) all of which are advertised as gay dating sites and they all allow and come up with matches for male seeking female. I really don’t know of others as I haven’t needed a date in years now. ---
**Author:** ![mswas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e99b99/32.png) [@mswas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mswas)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2007, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nihilism-award-to-linda-carlson-shes-here-shes-queer-shes-in-eharmonys-face/406431/19 "2007-06-03T00:29:42Z")
[QUOTE=Miller] Seems to me like she has a good point, even if it is kind of petty. Isn’t eHarmony in violation of California law, here? [/QUOTE] I hope she loses. The entire point of the internet is exclusionary content. The ability to cater to a target market is exactly what internet sites are designed to do. If this woman had any virtue whatsoever she’d go and get the startup capital to start a lesbian version of eHarmony, instead she’s just a social parasite playing the discrimination card in a very socially destructive way for personal gain. The kind of long, but not too bad mediocre march to the middle continues as planned. A heterosexual friend of mine got turned away from eHarmony for not quite fitting the profile. ---
**Author:** ![Sarahfeena](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sarahfeena/32/519_2.png) [@Sarahfeena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sarahfeena)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2007, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nihilism-award-to-linda-carlson-shes-here-shes-queer-shes-in-eharmonys-face/406431/20 "2007-06-03T00:33:16Z")
I can’t get excited about a hetero website catering only to heteros, or a gay website catering only to gays, or a Catholic website catering only to Catholics, or a recovering alcoholic website catering only to recovering alcoholics, or whatever (pick a specialty)…it’s a business model. If the business doesn’t offer what you are looking for, and there is demand, someone will start a similar business that does offer what you are looking for, which clearly people have. What difference does it make if eharmony provides the service, if someone else is doing so? [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nihilism-award-to-linda-carlson-shes-here-shes-queer-shes-in-eharmonys-face/406431.md?page=2)